Bicycle Shift Notification Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A bicycle shift notification apparatus is provided with a transmission state determining component, a bicycle derailleur and a controller. The transmission state determining component determines a current operating state of a bicycle transmission having a plurality of speed stages. The bicycle derailleur produces a notification based on a determination of the current operating state by the transmission state determining component. The controller is operatively coupled to the bicycle derailleur. The controller activates the bicycle derailleur to produce the notification in accordance with a preselected notification pattern based on determining that a predetermined condition exists. A sound is produced by actuation of the bicycle derailleur.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to a bicycle shift notificationapparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to a bicycleshift notification apparatus for producing a notification based on adetermination of the current operating state of a bicycle transmission,which has a plurality of speed stages.

Currently, most bicycle transmissions are manually operated by a shiftoperating wire connected between a manual transmission and a manuallyoperated shift operating device mounted on the handlebar. The rideroperates the shift operating device to selectively pull or release theshift operating wire which, in turn, operates a derailleur of thetransmission in the desired manner. More recently, bicycles have beenprovided with an electric drive train for smoother and easier shifting.Electric drive trains may be operated manually or automatically. Inmanually operated electric drive trains, usually, a button or lever on ashift control device mounted to the bicycle handlebar is manipulated sothat a gear shift command is output to operate a motor for upshifting ordownshifting the bicycle transmission. In automatically operatedelectric drive trains, the gear shift commands are generatedautomatically based on various running conditions of the bicycle.

In some manual and automatic bicycle transmissions, a notificationdevice such as a display is provided to show current gear positions.Also some bicycle transmission control systems include a sound-producingdevice such as a buzzer or the like for producing a sound each time thetransmission is operated to change a gear position of the transmission.For example, in the case of an automatic transmission, a sound can beproduced after operating the motor to change a gear position of thetransmission. As a result, the rider is informed of the shiftingoperation only while the actual shifting operation is being conducted.Another example of a shift notification apparatus is disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 6,774,771 (assigned to Shimano Inc.). In this patent, everytime a gear shifting operation occurs, the apparatus informs a rider ofan upcoming shifting operation in a bicycle transmission based on arunning condition of the bicycle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Generally, the present disclosure is directed to various features of abicycle shift notification apparatus that notifies a rider of anupcoming shifting operation in a bicycle transmission upon determiningthat a predetermined condition exists. The bicycle shift notificationapparatus can be used with motorized bicycle transmissions.

Basically, the invention is a bicycle shift notification apparatus thatincludes: a transmission state determining component that determines acurrent operating state of a bicycle transmission that has a pluralityof speed stages; a bicycle derailleur that produces a notification basedon a determination of the current operating state by the transmissionstate determining component; and a controller operatively coupled to thebicycle derailleur, wherein the controller activates the bicyclederailleur to produce the notification in accordance with a preselectednotification pattern based on a determination that a predeterminedcondition exists.

In another aspect, the controller determines whether the predeterminedcondition is satisfied, and the predetermined condition includes atleast that the bicycle transmission has reached a speed stage before aspeed stage of a synchro-shift speed point.

In another aspect, the bicycle derailleur includes a motor, and themotor actuates the bicycle derailleur, and sound made by the bicyclederailleur when the motor actuates the bicycle derailleur according tothe preselected notification pattern provides the notification.

In another aspect, the bicycle derailleur includes a chain guideconfigured to move a drive chain by operation of the motor, and whenproducing the notification, the controller activates the bicyclederailleur so that the notification is produced but the drive chain isnot moved by the chain guide during the notification.

In another aspect, the controller activates the bicycle derailleur sothat the motor produces the notification without contact between thechain guide and the drive chain.

In another aspect, the bicycle derailleur includes a chain guide, andthe notification pattern includes moving the chain guide in oppositedirections without contacting a drive chain with the chain guide.

In another aspect, the controller activates a motor of the bicyclederailleur to produce the notification before a start of a shift to asynchro-shift speed point from a speed stage immediately adjacent to thesynchro-shift speed point.

In another aspect, the bicycle derailleur is a front derailleur.

Basically, the invention is a bicycle shift notification apparatus thatincludes: a motorized transmission device that has a plurality of speedstages; and a controller operatively coupled to the motorizedtransmission device, wherein the controller activates a motor of themotorized transmission device to produce an audible notification inaccordance with a preselected notification pattern based on adetermination that a predetermined condition exists.

In another aspect, the motorized transmission device includes a chainguide for moving a drive chain, the chain guide is moved by the motor,and the predetermined notification pattern involves operating the motorand moving the chain guide in an operation other than a gear shiftingoperation.

In another aspect, the motorized transmission device includes a chainguide, which is configured to move a drive chain by operation of themotor, and when producing the audible notification, the controlleractivates the chain guide according to the preselected notificationpattern so that the audible notification is produced without contactbetween the drive chain and the chain guide.

In another aspect, the preselected notification pattern is selected suchthat, when the audible notification is produced, the controller operatesthe motor to produce sound while maintaining a current gear ratio of themotorized transmission device.

In another aspect, the controller determines whether the predeterminedcondition is satisfied, and the predetermined condition includes atleast that the motorized transmission device has reached a speed stagebefore a speed stage of a synchro-shift speed point.

In another aspect, the controller activates the motor of the motorizedtransmission device to produce the audible notification before a startof a shift to a synchro-shift speed point from a speed stage immediatelyadjacent to the synchro-shift speed point.

In another aspect, the motorized transmission device includes a frontbicycle derailleur, and the motor actuates the front bicycle derailleur.

In another aspect, the motorized transmission device includes a chainguide, and the preselected notification pattern includes moving thechain guide in opposite directions without contacting a drive chain withthe chain guide.

In another aspect, the bicycle shift notification apparatus includes atransmission state determining component that is operatively coupled tothe motorized transmission device, the transmission state determiningcomponent determines a current operating state of the motorizedtransmission device, and the predetermined condition is a condition ofthe motorized transmission device.

In another aspect, actuation of the motorized transmission deviceserves, in separate operations, to change a gear ratio and to producethe audible notification.

In another aspect, actuation of the motorized transmission device isdifferent in the operation to change a gear ratio than in the operationto produce the audible notification so that sound produced by themotorized transmission device when producing a notification is distinctfrom that produced when changing the gear ratio.

Other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed bicycleshift notification apparatus will become apparent to those skilled inthe art from the following detailed description, which, taken inconjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses preferred embodimentsof the bicycle shift notification apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a bicycle that is equipped with abicycle shift notification apparatus in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a handlebar area of the bicycleshowing a road bicycle control (brake/shift) device and a cyclingcomputer coupled to a drop-type handlebar of the bicycle illustrated inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing an overall configuration ofan electric bicycle shift system including the bicycle shiftnotification apparatus in accordance with the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is an exemplary graphical diagram showing notifications output bythe bicycle shift notification apparatus based on the gear positions ofthe rear and front shifting devices;

FIG. 5 is a synchro-shift gear shifting table for a bicycle shift systemhaving two front chainwheels and eight rear sprockets;

FIG. 6 is a synchro-shift gear shifting table for a bicycle shift systemhaving three front chainwheels and nine rear sprockets;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the cycling computer displaying a screenfor a rider or other user to customize the predetermined condition fornotification;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the cycling computer displaying a screenfor a rider or other user to customize the predetermined notificationpattern;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the control processing executed by thecontroller of the bicycle shift notification apparatus for the automaticshifting mode;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the control processing executed by thecontroller of the bicycle shift notification apparatus for the manualshifting mode;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the control processing executed by thecontroller of the bicycle shift notification apparatus when receivingand storing user settings;

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the front derailleur ofthe bicycle of FIG. 1; and

FIGS. 13A and 13B are partial bottom plan views of a chain guide of thefront derailleur of FIG. 12, where FIG. 13A shows an inner position ofthe chain guide and FIG. 13B shows an outer position of the chain guideduring a notification movement operation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to thedrawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdisclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments areprovided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting theinvention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a bicycle 10 is illustrated that isequipped with a bicycle shift notification apparatus 12 (FIG. 3) inaccordance with a first embodiment. While the bicycle 10 is illustratedas a racing style road bike, the bicycle shift notification apparatus 12is not limited to use with a road bike. The bicycle shift notificationapparatus 12 selectively notifies a rider of an upcoming shiftingoperation upon determining that a predetermined condition exists, asexplained below. The predetermined condition is preferably a conditionof a motorized transmission device. As seen in FIG. 3, the bicycle shiftnotification apparatus 12 is apart of an electric bicycle shift system16 in the illustrated embodiment. However, while the bicycle shiftnotification apparatus 12 is illustrated as being used in an electricbicycle shift system 16 that has both a manual shifting mode and anautomatic shifting mode, it will be apparent to those skilled in the artfrom this disclosure that the bicycle shift notification apparatus 12can be adapted to be used with a manual cable shift system with certainmodifications.

Basically, as explained later in more detail, during riding of thebicycle 10, the bicycle shift notification apparatus 12 only notifies arider of an upcoming shifting operation and/or a current speed stageupon determining that a predetermined condition exists such that therider is not notified every time a gear shifting operation occurs. Asexplained later, the notification is preferably settable by the riderand/or other user such that the predetermined condition for triggeringthe notification can be varied.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the electric bicycle shift system 16basically includes a first shift operating device or shifter 20, asecond shift operating device or shifter 21, a motorized rear derailleur22, a motorized front derailleur 23, a cycling computer 24 and acontroller 25. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 25 isprovided with a mode button 25 a for the rider or other users to selecteither the manual shifting mode or the automatic shifting mode.Alternatively, the operating mode of the electric bicycle shift system16 can be selected in other ways such as by using the cycling computer24 and/or operating buttons on one of the first and second shifters 20and 21.

Basically, in order to shift gears in the manual shifting mode, thefirst and second shifters 20 and 21 are selected and operated by therider to output control signals to operate the rear and frontderailleurs 22 and 23 to move a chain 26 laterally with respect to abicycle frame 27. In the automatic shifting mode, the controller 25controls the rear and front derailleurs 22 and 23 based on one or morecontrol signals from one or more running condition sensors. Preferably,the controller 25 is configured to output control signals for performinga synchro-shift during both the manual shifting mode and the automaticshifting mode. Of course, the manual shifting mode and the automaticshifting mode can also be set without the synchro-shift feature. As usedherein, the term “synchro-shift” refers to a shift in which both therear and front gear shifting devices (e.g., the rear and frontderailleurs 22 and 23) are shifted nearly simultaneously to attain atarget gear ratio in response to operation of a single shift operatingmember or a predetermined running condition occurring. As explainedlater, the bicycle transmission of FIG. 1 has a total of eighteen speedstages while the synchro-shift feature is not in use. However, while thesynchro-shift feature is in use, the bicycle transmission of FIG. 1 hasa total of only thirteen speed stages as illustrated in FIG. 4. In theexample of FIG. 4, the bicycle transmission of FIG. 1 includes onesynchro-shift speed point, which occurs at the shift between the fourthand the fifth speed stages (i.e., counting from the lowest gear ratio tothe highest gear ratio).

The bicycle transmission is not limited to a single synchro-shift speedpoint bicycle transmission. The location and number of synchro-shiftspeed points depends on the particular gear ratios that can be attainedin a particular bicycle transmission. Other words, the tooth count canbe changed for the rear sprockets and the front chainwheels to changethe gear ratios, which can be attained, and more or less rear sprocketsand/or front chainwheels can be changed for increasing or decreasing theattainable number of speed stages. For example, FIG. 5 illustrates ashift table for a bicycle transmission with eight rear sprockets, twofront chainwheels and a synchro-shift speed point occurring at the shiftbetween the sixth and the seventh speed stages. FIG. 6 illustrates ashift table for a bicycle transmission with nine rear sprockets, threefront chainwheels and two synchro-shift speed points occurring at theshift between the fourth and the fifth speed stages at the shift betweenthe ninth and tenth speed stages. The bicycle shift notificationapparatus 12 can be adapted to be used with such bicycle transmissionsas disclosed in FIGS. 5 and 6.

In the illustrated embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a crankrotational speed sensor 28 and a wheel rotational speed sensor 29 areprovided for providing data to the controller 25 for automaticallycontrolling the shifting of the derailleurs 22 and 23. For example,based on the detection signals from the crank rotational speed sensor 28and the wheel rotational speed sensor 29, the controller 25 outputscontrol signals to shift the derailleurs 22 and 23 to attain a targetgear ratio so that the cadence is maintained at approximately 60-70 RPM,which is a comfortable value for an ordinary person cruising on abicycle. This type of automatic shifting as well as other types ofautomatic shifting can be performed by the controller 25. Sinceconventional automatic shifting can be used, the details of theautomatic shifting mode will not be discussed in further detail herein.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first and second shifters 20 and 21are brake and shift operating devices in which the first shifter 20 isfixedly mounted on the right-hand side of a handlebar 14 and the secondshifter 21 is fixedly mounted on the left-hand side of the handlebar 14.In particular, the first shifter 20 is operatively connected to the rearderailleur 22 and a rear brake 30, while the second shifter 21 isoperatively connected to the front derailleur 23 and a front brake 31.In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second shifters 20 and 21are mechanically connected to the rear and front brakes 30 and 31,respectively, using conventional Bowden-type brake cables. In theillustrated embodiment, the first and second shifters 20 and 21 areelectrically connected to the controller 25 by first and secondelectrical cables 32 and 33. Alternatively, the front derailleur 23 andthe front brake 31 can be connected to the first shifter 20, and therear derailleur 22 and the rear brake 30 can be connected to the secondshifter 21.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first and second electrical cables32 and 33 output shift signals or commands to the controller 25 forcontrolling the rear and front derailleurs 22 and 23, respectively. Thefirst and second shifters 20 and 21 also receive electrical power from apower supply or battery 34 (see FIG. 3). In particular, an electricalharness 35 is provided between the controller 25 and the power supply 34such that electrical power is supplied to the controller 25, which inturn supplies electrical power to the first and second shifters 20 and21 via the first and second electrical cables 32 and 33, respectively.The electrical harness 35 transmits shift signals (FSS, RSS) andposition signals for the shifting devices (DATA) between the controller25 and the rear and front derailleurs 22 and 23. The cables 32 and 33and the electrical harness 35 may be replaced by a cable that includesonly two conductor cables. In this case, PLC (Power Line communication)circuit boards may be included in the controller 25 and the rear andfront derailleurs 22 and 23.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first shifter 20 is attached the curvedportion of the handlebar 14, which is a drop-down handlebar in theillustrated embodiment. The second shifter 21 is a mirror image of thefirst shifter 20 and includes all of the features of the first shifter20 discussed herein. Thus, the second shifter 21 will not be discussedin detail herein. Of course, it will be apparent from this disclosurethat other types of electric shifters can be used as needed and/ordesired instead of the type illustrated herein.

Basically, the first shifter 20 includes a base member 40 fixedlymounted on the right-hand side of the handlebar 14 in a conventionalmanner such as a band clamp as illustrated. A brake lever 43 ispivotally mounted to the base member 40 for operating the rear brake 30in a conventional manner. The brake lever 43 has a pair of pivotallymounted shift operating members 44 and 45. The shift operating members44 and 45 are pushed toward a center plane of the bicycle to depresselectrical switches SW1 and SW2, respectively. A more detaileddiscussion of the shift operating members 44 and 45 and the electricalswitches SW1 and SW2 can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,854,180 (assignedto Shimano Inc.). While the shift operating members 44 and 45 and theelectrical switches SW1 and SW2 of the illustrated embodiment areconstructed as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,854,180, the first and secondshifters 20 and 21 are not limited to that particular construction. Infact, the first and second shifters 20 and 21 can be replaced withmechanical shifters such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,970,816, whichhas a manual synchro-shift system. Here, operation of the shiftoperating member 44 normally causes the rear derailleur 22 to perform adownshift operation such that the chain 26 moves to a larger one of therear sprockets 46, while operation of the shift operating member 45normally causes the rear derailleur 22 to perform an upshift operationsuch that the chain 26 moves to a smaller one of the rear sprockets 46.However, operation of the shift operating member 44 may cause the rearderailleur 22 to perform an upshift operation, while operation of theshift operating member 45 may cause the rear derailleur 22 to perform adownshift operation.

Referring to FIG. 3, the basic construction of the rear derailleur 22will now be discussed. The rear derailleur 22 is basically aconventional electric derailleur that includes a rear control unit 22 a(controller), a motor drive unit 22 b, a position sensor 22 d and amotor 22 e. The rear control unit 22 a, the motor drive unit 22 b and aposition sensor 22 d form the rear actuating unit. The rear control unit22 a is configured and arranged to control the motor drive unit 22 b inresponse to a shift control signal from operation of one of the shiftelectrical switches SW1 and SW2 of the first shifter 20. The motor 22 eis configured and arranged to drive a chain guide of the rear derailleur22. The motor drive unit 22 b is configured and arranged to drive themotor 22 e. The position sensor 22 d is configured and arranged to sensethe gearshift position of the rear derailleur (rear shifting device) 22.The position sensor 22 d constitutes one example of a transmission statedetermining component of the bicycle shift notification apparatus 12.One example of an electric rear derailleur having a position sensor(i.e., a transmission state determining component) is disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 8,137,223 (assigned to Shimano Inc.). While a potentiometer canbe used for the position sensor 22 d such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.8,137,223, the position sensor 22 d is not limited to such aconstruction.

Referring to FIG. 1, the bicycle 10 has a plurality of rear sprockets 46for selectively receiving a drive force from the chain 26. Operation ofthe motor 22 e of the rear derailleur 22 moves the chain 26 between therear sprockets 46 to change rear gear stages. While the bicycle 10 isillustrated with nine of the rear sprockets 46, the bicycle 10 can beprovided with fewer or more rear sprockets 46.

Referring to FIG. 3, the basic construction of the front derailleur 23will now be discussed. The front derailleur 23 is basically aconventional electric derailleur that includes a front control unit 23 a(controller), a motor drive unit 23 b, a position sensor 23 d and amotor 23 e. The front control unit 23 a, the motor drive unit 23 b and aposition sensor 23 d form the front actuating unit. The front controlunit 23 a is configured and arranged to control the motor drive unit 23b in response to a shift control signal from operation of one of theshift electrical switches SW1 and SW2 of the second shifter 21. Themotor 23 e is configured and arranged to drive a chain guide 23 f of thefront derailleur 23. The motor drive unit 23 b is configured andarranged to drive the motor 23 e. The position sensor 23 d is configuredand arranged to sense the gearshift position of the front derailleur(front shifting device) 23. The position sensor 23 d constitutes oneexample of a transmission state determining component of the bicycleshift notification apparatus 12.

One example of an electric front derailleur having a position sensor(i.e., a transmission state determining component) is disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 7,306,531 (assigned to Shimano Inc.). While a potentiometer canbe used for the position sensor 23 d such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.7,306,531, the position sensor 23 d is not limited to such aconstruction.

When the motor drive unit 23 b moves the chain guide 23 f of the frontderailleur 23 laterally, a sound is produced that is clearly audible tothe rider. As described in more detail below, sound produced by movementof the front derailleur 23 in predetermined patterns is used as anaudible notification to notify the rider of the state of the bicycletransmission. Thus, actuation of the front derailleur 23, which is amotorized transmission device, serves in separate operations to change agear ratio and to produce the audible notification. While thenotifications produced by the front derailleur are audible, they alsomay be haptically sensed by the rider, since vibrations produced by thefront derailleur 23 are transmitted through the frame 27 of the bicycleto the rider.

Referring to FIG. 1, the bicycle 10 has a pair of front chainwheels 47for transmitting a pedaling (drive) force to the chain 26. Operation ofthe motor 23 e of the front derailleur 23 moves the chain 26 between thefront chainwheels 47 to change front gear stages. While the bicycle 10is illustrated with only two of the front chainwheels 47, the bicycle 10can be provided with more than two chainwheels.

The cycling computer 24 includes a microprocessor, memory and otherconventional structures of a conventional cycling computer. Sincecycling computers are conventional devices that are well known, thecycling computer 24 will not be discussed and/or illustrated herein,except as modified to accommodate the bicycle shift notificationapparatus 12. In particular, the cycling computer 24 is electricallyconnected to the controller 25 by a cable 48 to receive various datafrom other components of the electric bicycle shift system 16. The cable48, can also optionally supply power to the cycling computer 24 asillustrated in FIG. 3. Alternatively, the cycling computer 24 can haveits own power supply (e.g., a replaceable battery).

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the cycling computer 24 is a part of thebicycle shift notification apparatus 12. However, the various functionsof the cycling computer 24 can be integrated into one or both of thefirst and second shifters 20 and 21 and/or the controller 25. Forexample, one or both of the first and second shifters 20 and 21 can beprovided with a display for produce a visual indication as anotification for the bicycle shift notification apparatus 12. Thus, thebicycle shift notification apparatus 12 is not limited to being usedwith a cycling computer such as the cycling computer 24 as discussedherein.

The cycling computer 24 has a display 49 for displaying gear positions,speed, traveled distance and other information to the rider as in thecase of most cycling computers. However, in the illustrated embodiment,the display 49 of the cycling computer 24 is also used to selectivelyproduce a visual indication as a notification for the bicycle shiftnotification apparatus 12, as discussed below. Also in the illustratedembodiment, the cycling computer 24 further includes an input port 50and a plurality of user inputs or control buttons B1, B2 and B3.Alternatively, one or more these components of the cycling computer 24could be provided on other parts of the bicycle shift notificationapparatus 12, as needed and/or desired. The input port 50 is acommunication port such as a USB port for attaching a computer to updatesoftware and/or modify various operating parameters of the bicycle shiftnotification apparatus 12. The control buttons B1, B2 and B3 are used bythe rider or other users to modify various operating parameters of thebicycle shift notification apparatus 12, as discussed below. While thecontrol buttons B1, B2 and B3 are illustrated as mechanical buttons, thedisplay 49 could be a touch screen with the control buttons beingprovided on the touch screen.

Referring to FIG. 3, in the illustrated embodiment, the controller 25 isoperatively coupled to the front derailleur 23 for selectively producingsound to notify a rider based on a determination of a current operatingstate of the bicycle transmission (e.g., the chain 26, the rear andfront derailleurs 22 and 23, the rear sprockets 46 and the frontchainwheels 47). Further, the controller 25 is operatively coupled toand activates the front derailleur 23 to produce the notification inaccordance with a preselected notification pattern based on adetermination that a predetermined condition exists. While thecontroller 25 is electrically connected to the other parts of theelectric bicycle shift system 16 as schematically illustrated in FIG. 3,it will be apparent from this disclosure that wireless communication maybe used to operatively couple the controller 25 to other parts of theelectric bicycle shift system 16 for receiving data. The controller 25interprets and executes instructions (data, signals and commands) of thevarious programs and hardware to direct the operation of the electricbicycle shift system 16. The controller 25 includes a microcomputer 52that includes a processor 53 and memory 54 for processing the varioussignals from the various sensors and components of the electric bicycleshift system 16. While the controller 25 is illustrated as a singleseparate unit, the controller 25 could be part of another component orcould be a part of several components (e.g., multiple controllerslocated in different parts).

Referring mainly to FIG. 4, examples of the notification provided by thebicycle shift notification apparatus 12 during operation of the bicycle10 will now be discussed in more detail. As seen in FIG. 4, the bicycleshift notification apparatus 12 can provide several different audiblenotifications to the rider based on a determination of the currentoperating state. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4, the gear shiftmechanism (e.g., the rear and front derailleurs 22 and 23) of thebicycle has a plural speed stages (e.g. eighteen speed stages withoutthe synchro-shift feature and thirteen speed stages with thesynchro-shift feature). A high gear ratio refers to a higher bicyclespeed per rotation of the crank arms, while a low gear ratio refers to alower bicycle speed per rotation of the crank arms.

While the display 49 of the cycling computer 24 may constantly displaythe current speed stage (i.e., which of the rear sprockets 46 and thefront chainwheels 47 are engaged with the chain 26), the bicycle shiftnotification apparatus 12 provides a notification to the rider for onlysome preselected speed stages but not all of the speed stages. In otherwords, when the current speed stage becomes one of the preselected speedstages, then the bicycle shift notification apparatus 12 will provide anotification to the rider.

For example, in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4, thecontroller 25 activates the front derailleur 23, which is a motorizedtransmission device, to produce an audible notification in accordancewith preselected notification patterns based on determining that apredetermined condition exists and does not activate the frontderailleur to produce the audible notification when determining that thepredetermined condition does not exist. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 4, three predetermined conditions (i.e., predetermined speedstages) that are used to trigger the audible notification are asfollows: (1) one or more speed stages near a synchro-shift speed point;(2) a lowest speed stage of the speed stage or one or more precedingspeed stages immediately adjacent to the lowest speed stage; and (3) ahighest speed stage of the speed stage or one or more preceding speedstages immediately adjacent to the highest speed stage. The bicycleshift notification apparatus 12 can provide several different audiblenotifications to the rider based on a determination of the currentoperating state of the bicycle transmission to better inform the riderof the current operating state of the bicycle transmission.

Ina synchro-shift operation illustrated in FIG. 4, a single gear shiftoperation occurs between the front chainwheels 47 and a double gearshift operation occurs in the rear sprockets 46. In such a synchro-shiftoperation, a large shifting shock can occur such that the gear shiftdoes not shift smoothly if the rider is applying a large pedaling force.Thus, it is beneficial to inform the rider of such a synchro-shiftoperation before it occurs. Also it is beneficial to inform the rider ofwhen the bicycle transmission is near or at one of the endmost speedstages.

In the lower section of FIG. 4, several different notification patternsA to E of the bicycle shift notification apparatus 12 are illustrated.Preferably, as explained later, these different notification patternscan be selectively set by a rider or another user. Of course, thebicycle shift notification apparatus 12 is not limited to theillustrated patterns. The bicycle shift notification apparatus 12produces sound as the notification. In FIG. 4, the size of the starsymbol in the lower section of the diagram corresponds to the durationof the notifications produced by the front derailleur 23. Thus, forexample, the largest symbol indicates a movement pattern of thederailleur that has a relatively long duration, the smallest symbolindicates a movement pattern of the derailleur that has a relativelyshort duration, and the intermediately sized symbol indicates a movementpattern of the derailleur that has an intermediate duration, between therelatively long and short durations.

In pattern A of FIG. 4, the bicycle shift notification apparatus 12 onlyprovides a total of six notifications: at three lower speed stages priorto the synchro-shift speed point and at three upper speed stages priorto the synchro-shift speed point. These six notifications occur whilethe bicycle transmission is in speed stages one, two, three, five, sixand seven, where speed stage one is the speed stage with the lowest gearratio. Thus, the controller 25 activates the front derailleur 23 toproduce notifications at speed stages immediately adjacent to thesynchro-shift speed point and at two speed stages immediately precedingthe adjacent speed stages. These speed stages can be determined by theposition sensors 22 d and 23 d or processing results. In other words,the notification triggers for pattern A are processing results of thecontroller 25 and/or position signals from the position sensors 22 d and23 d.

Preferably, the notifications for speed stages one, two and three areindividually distinct from each other, and the notifications for speedstages five, six and seven are individually distinct from each other.For example, as explained above, the individual notifications can differby duration. Alternatively, the notifications can vary from one anotherby the pattern of sound produced without altering the duration. Further,the notifications can vary from one another by varying both the durationand pattern of the sound produced by the front derailleur 23.

In pattern B of FIG. 4, the bicycle shift notification apparatus 12 onlyprovides two notifications: at one lower speed stage prior to thesynchro-shift speed point and at one upper speed stage prior to thesynchro-shift speed point. In the pattern B of FIG. 4, the bicycle shiftnotification apparatus 12 only outputs the notifications when thecontroller 25 has determined to perform the synchro-shift operation, butshortly before (e.g., 0.5 sec.) the synchro-shift operation willactually be performed. In other words, a predetermined delay periodoccurs between the time of the notification and the time that thesynchro-shift operation actually occurs. The notification triggers forpattern B are processing results of the controller 25 preparing toperform a synchro-shift operation. Thus, in pattern B, the controller 25activates the front derailleur 23 to produce the notification after agear shifting operation to the speed stage immediately adjacent to thesynchro-shift speed point and prior to the synchro-shift operation.Thus, in pattern B, the controller 25 activates a motor 23 e of thefront derailleur 23 to produce the notification before a start of ashift to a synchro-shift speed point from a speed stage immediatelyadjacent to the synchro-shift speed point.

In pattern C of FIG. 4, the bicycle shift notification apparatus 12 onlyprovides a total of six notifications: at the lowest speed stage, twospeed stages prior to the lowest speed stage, two speed stages prior tothe highest speed stage and at highest speed stage. Thus, these sixnotifications occur while the bicycle transmission is in speed stagesone, two, three, eleven, twelve and thirteen, where speed stage one isthe speed stage with the lowest gear ratio and the speed stage thirteenis the speed stage with the highest gear ratio. These speed stages canbe determined by the position sensors 22 d and 23 d or processingresults. In other words, the notification triggers for pattern C areprocessing results of the controller 25 and/or position signals from theposition sensors 22 d and 23 d. Preferably, the notifications for speedstages one, two and three are individually distinct from each other, andthe notifications for speed stages eleven, twelve, and thirteen areindividually distinct from each other as discussed above with respect tothe pattern A, except that the notifications become more noticeable asthey approach the endmost speed stages one and thirteen. Thus, inpattern C, the controller 25 activates the front derailleur 23 toproduce sound at the endmost speed stages that corresponds to the lowestand the highest speed stages and at the two speed stages immediatelypreceding the lowest and the highest speed stages.

In pattern D of FIG. 4, the bicycle shift notification apparatus 12 onlyprovides a total of four notifications: at one speed stage lower thanand adjacent to the synchro-shift speed point, at one speed stage higherthan and adjacent to the synchro-shift speed point, at the lowest speedstage and at the highest speed stage. Thus, in this example, these fournotifications occur while the bicycle transmission is in speed stagesone, three, five and thirteen. These speed stages can be determined bythe position sensors 22 d and 23 d or processing results. Preferably,the notifications for the endmost speed stage one and thirteen aredistinct from the notifications at the speed stages three and five,which occur prior to the synchro-shift speed point.

In pattern E of FIG. 4, the bicycle shift notification apparatus 12 onlyprovides a total of four notifications: at one lower speed stage priorto the synchro-shift speed point, at one upper speed stage prior to thesynchro-shift speed point, at the lowest speed stage and at the highestspeed stage of the speed stages. Pattern E is the same as pattern D,discussed above, except that the notifications at one speed stage priorto the synchro-shift speed point only occur after the controller 25 hasdetermined to perform the synchro-shift operation but before thesynchro-shift operation is actually performed, as in pattern B.

Referring back to FIG. 3, preferably, various parameters for the bicycleshift notification apparatus 12 can be changed from a default setting bythe user to provide a customized notification. The various features ofthe bicycle shift notification apparatus 12 can also be customized byattaching a personal computer to the bicycle shift notificationapparatus 12 via a communication port (e.g., the input port 50). Inparticular, the controller 25 further includes a predetermined conditionselection component 55 and a notification pattern selection component56. In the illustrated embodiment, the predetermined condition selectioncomponent 55 and the notification pattern selection component 56 areprovided by software stored in the memory 54 and executed by theprocessor 53. Basically, a user activates these components 55 and 56 byusing the control buttons B1, B2 and B3 of the cycling computer 24, orby using a personal computer.

Preferably, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, these components 55 and 56produce menu screens that guide the user step by step through the setupprocess of selecting the user settable operating parameters for thebicycle shift notification apparatus 12.

Preferably, the predetermined condition selection component 55 includesa plurality of user settable predetermined conditions, as illustrated inFIG. 7, for selection by the control buttons B1, B2 and B3 (e.g., theuser input device) as the preselected predetermined condition. In theexample illustrated in FIG. 7, a screen image is displayed by thecycling computer 24 to provide a rider or other user with options tocustomize the predetermined condition for notification. In thisillustrated, the rider or user can select three options for thepredetermined condition. Only three options are illustrated for the sakeof brevity. Of course, the bicycle shift notification apparatus 12 canprovide fewer or more options for the predetermined condition. Also therider or user is not limited to selecting only one of the options as thepredetermined condition. Rather the rider or user can select all of theoptions if desired. Here, the three illustrated options include: (1) aspeed stage before a synchro-shift speed point; (2) a speed stage aftera synchro-shift speed point; and (3) an endmost speed stage. Otheroptions for the predetermined condition include, but are not limited to,initiation of a synchro-shift operation.

Preferably, the notification pattern selection component 56 includes aplurality of user settable notification patterns, as illustrated in FIG.8, for selection by the control buttons B1, B2 and B3 (e.g., the userinput device) among the plurality of user settable notificationpatterns. In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, a screen image isdisplayed by the cycling computer 24 to provide a rider or other userwith options to customize the notification pattern for notification.Some of the basic notification patterns are illustrated in FIG. 4. Inparticular, the notification patterns include, but not limited to, (1) asingle notification at the speed stages selected as predeterminedconditions (e.g., pattern D in FIG. 4); (2) a double notification at thespeed stages selected as predetermined conditions (not shown in FIG. 4);(3) a triple notification at the speed stages selected as predeterminedconditions (e.g., patterns A and C in FIG. 4); and (4) a singlenotification before the speed stages pass the synchro-shift speed point(upon a shift trigger input at the speed stages selected aspredetermined conditions) (e.g., patterns B and E in FIG. 4).Preferably, additional screen images are displayed by the cyclingcomputer 24 or personal computer to provide a user with other options tocustomize the notification pattern for notification. For example, anadditional screen image can be displayed to allow the user to selectcontinuous notification, intermittent notifications, or a one-timenotification for a prescribed period of time. Clearly, the notificationpattern selection component 56 can be configured to provide the userwith a wide variety of options for customizing the pattern of thenotification.

Referring to FIG. 11, the control processing executed by the controller25 of the bicycle shift notification apparatus 12 for inputting userselectable parameters will now be discussed. Basically, in step S31, theuser will bring up a customization menu (not shown) on the display 49 ofthe cycling computer 24 to provide the user with options to customizethe bicycle shift notification apparatus 12. Then using a series ofdisplays, such as the ones shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the user selects thedesired setting, which results in the selected parameters being receivedby the bicycle shift notification apparatus 12 as indicated in step S32.Each time the user sets a new parameter, the controller 25 stores theuser setting in the memory 54 as indicated in step S33.

Referring to FIG. 9, the control processing executed by the controller25 of the bicycle shift notification apparatus 12 for producing anotification while in the automatic shifting mode will now be discussed.As mentioned above, the controller 25 does not activate the bicycleshift notification apparatus 12 to produce a notification when it isdetermined that the predetermined condition does not exist. In otherwords, the controller 25 does not activate the front derailleur 23 toproduce a notification sound when it is determined that thepredetermined condition does not exist.

In step S1, all of the parameters set by the user are uploaded, detectedvalues and/or flags are cleared from memory. Then the process proceedsto step S2.

In step S2, the controller 25 receives signals from the position sensors22 d and 23 d or other gear positioning detecting devices to determinethe current gear ratio of the bicycle transmission based on the currentpositions of the rear and front derailleurs 22 and 23. Then the processproceeds to step S3.

In step S3, the controller 25 determines the operating or runningcondition(s) of the bicycle 10. In the illustrated embodiment, thecontroller 25 determines the operating or running condition(s) of thebicycle 10 using the crank rotational speed sensor 28 and/or the wheelrotational speed sensor 29 as well as other sensors as needed and/ordesired. Typically, the most relevant parameter in determining when toshift is the rider's cadence, which is determined by the crankrotational speed sensor 28 in the illustrated embodiment. Of course, thebicycle shift notification apparatus 12 can be used with any automaticshifting control program. Also since automatic shifting control programsare well known and different control programs use different parametersfor shifting, the further details of the automatic shifting controlprogram will be omitted for the sake of brevity.

In step S4, the controller 25 determines whether the predeterminedcondition exists. As mentioned above, the predetermined condition can beeither a default setting or can be selectively set by the rider or user.In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the rider or user can select amongoptions for the predetermined condition. Preferably, as mentioned above,the predetermined condition includes at least one of the conditions thatthe bicycle transmission has reached a speed stage before a speed stageof the synchro-shift speed point, a speed stage after a speed stage ofthe synchro-shift speed point, and an endmost speed stage.

In step S4, if the controller 25 determines that the predeterminedcondition exists, then the process proceeds to step S5, where thenotification is outputted by the front derailleur 23. On the other hand,in step S4, if the controller 25 determines that the predeterminedcondition does not exists, then the process proceeds to step S6.

In step S6, the controller 25 determines whether the operating orrunning conditions of the bicycle 10 satisfy a shift condition. If ashift condition exists, the process proceeds to step S7. If a shiftcondition does not exist, then the process proceeds to step S8.

In step S7, the controller 25 outputs a shift signal to one or both ofthe rear and front derailleurs 22 and 23 to activate the motor 22 eand/or the motor 23 e to perform the appropriate shift. Then the processproceeds to step S8.

In step S8, the controller 25 determines whether any settings have beenchanged by the user, due to a shifting operation, due to a detectionsignal from a sensor, or otherwise. If settings have changed, then theprocess proceeds to step S9 where the settings are updated and stored inmemory. If the settings remain unchanged, then the process returns tostep S2.

Referring to FIG. 10, the control processing executed by the controller25 of the bicycle shift notification apparatus 12 for producing anotification while in the manual shifting mode will now be discussed. Instep S21, all of the parameters set by the user are uploaded, detectedvalues and/or flags are cleared from memory. Then the process proceedsto step S22.

In step S22, the controller 25 receives signals from the positionsensors 22 d and 23 d or other gear positioning detecting devices todetermine the current gear ratio of the bicycle transmission based onthe current positions of the rear and front derailleurs 22 and 23. Thenthe process proceeds to step S23.

In step S23, the controller 25 determines if the predetermined conditionexists. As mentioned above, the predetermined condition can be either adefault setting or can be selectively set by the rider or user. If thecontroller 25 determines that the predetermined condition exists, thenthe process proceeds to step S24, where the corresponding notificationsound is outputted by the front derailleur 23. On the other hand, instep S23, if the controller 25 determines that the predeterminedcondition does not exist, then the process returns to step S22.

Referring to FIG. 12, the front derailleur 23 produces thenotifications, as described above. FIG. 12 shows the chain guide 23 f,the motor 23 e, and a wire 23 c, which leads to the controller 25 and ispart of the wire harness 35. The motor 23 e actuates the frontderailleur 23, and sound made by the front derailleur 23 when the motor23 e actuates the front derailleur 23 according to the preselectednotification pattern provides the notification. The sound of thenotification is produced by vibrations generated by the motor 23 eitself and other moving parts when the motor 23 e is actuated. That is,the motor 23 e moves the chain guide 23 f laterally, and sound made bythe front derailleur 23 when the motor 23 e moves the chain guide 23 faccording to a preselected notification pattern provides a notification.As mentioned above, since the vibrations may be transmitted by thebicycle frame 27, a notification may be sensed haptically and audibly bythe rider. When producing a notification, the controller 25 activatesthe front derailleur 23 so that a notification is produced but the drivechain 26 is not moved by the chain guide 23 f during a notification.That is, the controller 25 activates the front derailleur 23 so that themotor 23 e produces a notification without contact between the chainguide 23 f and the drive chain 26.

A notification involves a predetermined pattern of movement of the chainguide 23 f to produce a distinctive sound that differs from the routinesound of shifting gears. That is, actuation of the front derailleur 23,or motorized transmission device, is different in the operation ofchanging a gear ratio than in the operation of producing thenotification, so that sound produced by the front derailleur 23 whenproducing a notification can be distinguished from the sound of changingthe gear ratio. The pattern of movement can be varied to vary the soundof the notification, as described above in the description of FIG. 4.Thus, each predetermined notification pattern involves operating themotor 23 e and moving the chain guide 23 f in an operation other than agear shifting operation. Each notification pattern includes moving thechain guide 23 f laterally with the motor 23 e in opposite directionswithout contacting a drive chain 26 with the chain guide 23 f. That is,preselected notification pattern is selected such that, when thenotification is produced, the controller 25 operates the motor 23 e toproduce sound while maintaining a current gear ratio of the frontderailleur 23, or motorized transmission device.

FIGS. 13A and 13B show inner and outer positions of the chain guide 23 fwith respect to the chain 26, respectively. FIGS. 13A and 13B showinnermost and outermost positions where the chain guide 23 f is locatedbefore being reversed when being moved laterally in opposite directionsto produce an audible notification. There is no contact between thechain guide 23 f and the chain 26 at either of the innermost ouroutermost positions of FIGS. 13A and 13B. A normal position of the chainguide 23 f is such that the chain 26 is substantially centered betweenthe sides of the chain guide 23 f.

In one example of a notification pattern, the chain guide 23 f is movedfrom the normal position to the inner position of FIG. 13A, thenoppositely to the outer position of FIG. 13B, and then back to thenormal position (not shown). Such a movement pattern could, for example,be the movement of relatively short duration that is represented by therelatively small stars in the lower section of FIG. 4. In a movementpattern of intermediate duration, which can correspond to theintermediate stars of FIG. 4, the chain guide 23 f can be moved from thenormal position to the inner position of FIG. 13A, then oppositely tothe outer position of FIG. 13B, then oppositely to the inner position ofFIG. 13A, and then back to the normal position. Finally, in a movementpattern of relatively long duration, which can correspond to therelatively large stars of FIG. 4, the chain guide 23 f can be moved fromthe normal position to the to the inner position of FIG. 13A, thenoppositely to the outer position of FIG. 13B, then oppositely to theinner position of FIG. 13A, then back to the outer position of FIG. 13B,and then back to the normal position. An infinite variety of movementpatterns can be developed by varying the number of movements and thenumber of reversals of the chain guide 23 f to vary the sound producedby the front derailleur 23. Alternatively, as in patterns B, D, and E ofFIG. 4, all the notifications can be the same.

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term“comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to beopen ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not excludethe presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups,integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words havingsimilar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and theirderivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or“element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of asingle part or a plurality of parts. As used herein, the term “upshift”refers to a change in a gear ratio of a transmission that results in thebicycle wheels rotating faster per rotation of the crank arms. As usedherein, the term “downshift” refers to a change in a gear ratio of atransmission that results in the bicycle wheels making fewer rotationsper rotation of the crank arms.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate thepresent invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure that various changes and modifications can be madeherein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined inthe appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location ororientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/ordesired so long as they do not substantially their intended function.Components that are shown directly connected or contacting each othercan have intermediate structures disposed between them unlessspecifically stated otherwise. The functions of one element can beperformed by two, and vice versa unless specifically stated otherwise.The structures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in anotherembodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in aparticular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is uniquefrom the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, alsoshould be considered a separate description of further inventions by theapplicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodiedby such feature(s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodimentsaccording to the present invention are provided for illustration only,and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by theappended claims and their equivalents.

While the invention has been described in detail with respect tospecific embodiments, those skilled in the art, upon attaining anunderstanding of the specific embodiments, may readily conceive ofalterations, variations, and equivalents to these embodiments.Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be assessed as that ofthe appended claims and their equivalents.

1. A bicycle shift notification apparatus comprising: a transmissionstate determining component that determines a current operating state ofa bicycle transmission that has a plurality of speed stages; a bicyclederailleur that produces a notification based on a determination of thecurrent operating state by the transmission state determining component;and a controller operatively coupled to the bicycle derailleur, whereinthe controller activates the bicycle derailleur to produce thenotification in accordance with a preselected notification pattern basedon a determination that a predetermined condition exists.
 2. The bicycleshift notification apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thecontroller determines whether the predetermined condition is satisfied,and the predetermined condition includes at least that the bicycletransmission has reached a speed stage before a speed stage of asynchro-shift speed point.
 3. The bicycle shift notification apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the bicycle derailleur includes a motor,and the motor actuates the bicycle derailleur, and wherein sound made bythe bicycle derailleur when the motor actuates the bicycle derailleuraccording to the preselected notification pattern provides thenotification.
 4. The bicycle shift notification apparatus according toclaim 3, wherein the bicycle derailleur includes a chain guideconfigured to move a drive chain by operation of the motor, and whenproducing the notification, the controller activates the bicyclederailleur so that the notification is produced but the drive chain isnot moved by the chain guide during the notification.
 5. The bicycleshift notification apparatus according to claim 4, wherein thecontroller activates the bicycle derailleur so that the motor producesthe notification without contact between the chain guide and the drivechain.
 6. The bicycle shift notification apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the bicycle derailleur includes a chain guide, and thepreselected notification pattern includes moving the chain guide inopposite directions without contacting a drive chain with the chainguide.
 7. The bicycle shift notification apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the controller activates a motor of the bicycle derailleur toproduce the notification before a start of a shift to a synchro-shiftspeed point from a speed stage immediately adjacent to the synchro-shiftspeed point.
 8. The bicycle shift notification apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the bicycle derailleur is a front derailleur.
 9. Abicycle shift notification apparatus comprising: a motorizedtransmission device that has a plurality of speed stages; and acontroller operatively coupled to the motorized transmission device,wherein the controller activates a motor of the motorized transmissiondevice to produce an audible notification in accordance with apreselected notification pattern based on a determination that apredetermined condition exists.
 10. The bicycle shift notificationapparatus according to claim 9, wherein the motorized transmissiondevice includes a chain guide for moving a drive chain, the chain guideis moved by the motor, and the predetermined notification patterninvolves operating the motor and moving the chain guide in an operationother than a gear shifting operation.
 11. The bicycle shift notificationapparatus according to claim 9, wherein the motorized transmissiondevice includes a chain guide, which is configured to move a drive chainby operation of the motor, and when producing the audible notification,the controller activates the chain guide according to the preselectednotification pattern so that the audible notification is producedwithout contact between the drive chain and the chain guide.
 12. Thebicycle shift notification apparatus according to claim 9, wherein thepreselected notification pattern is selected such that, when the audiblenotification is produced, the controller operates the motor to producesound while maintaining a current gear ratio of the motorizedtransmission device.
 13. The bicycle shift notification apparatusaccording to claim 9, wherein the controller determines whether thepredetermined condition is satisfied, and the predetermined conditionincludes at least that the motorized transmission device has reached aspeed stage before a speed stage of a synchro-shift speed point.
 14. Thebicycle shift notification apparatus according to claim 9, wherein thecontroller activates the motor of the motorized transmission device toproduce the audible notification before a start of a shift to thesynchro-shift speed point from a speed stage immediately adjacent to thesynchro-shift speed point.
 15. The bicycle shift notification apparatusaccording to claim 9, wherein the motorized transmission device includesa front bicycle derailleur, and the motor actuates the front bicyclederailleur.
 16. The bicycle shift notification apparatus according toclaim 9, wherein the motorized transmission device includes a chainguide, and the preselected notification pattern includes moving thechain guide in opposite directions without contacting a drive chain withthe chain guide.
 17. The bicycle shift notification apparatus accordingto claim 9, wherein the bicycle shift notification apparatus includes atransmission state determining component that is operatively coupled tothe motorized transmission device, the transmission state determiningcomponent determines a current operating state of the motorizedtransmission device, and the predetermined condition is a condition ofthe motorized transmission device.
 18. The bicycle shift notificationapparatus according to claim 9, wherein actuation of the motorizedtransmission device serves, in separate operations, to change a gearratio and to produce the audible notification.
 19. The shiftnotification apparatus according to claim 18, wherein actuation of themotorized transmission device is different in the operation to change agear ratio than in the operation to produce the audible notification sothat sound produced by the motorized transmission device when producinga notification is distinct from that produced when changing the gearratio.